Ronald Darby Contract Details

Per Aaron Wilson:

Darby’s contract table should look as follows, below the fold:

YearBase SalaryProrated BonusPer Game Roster BonusCap NumberDead Money & Cap Savings (pre-June 1)
2021$1,000,000$3,000,000$0$4,000,000$19,500,000($15,500,000)
2022$9,500,000$3,000,000 $500,000$13,000,000$15,500,000($2,500,000)
2023$9,500,000$3,000,000 $500,000 $13,000,000$3,000,000$10,000,000

If this contract looks familiar, it is almost identical to that of Shelby Harris’s contract in value and structure. Just like Harris, Darby is getting a $9 million signing bonus and $1 million base salary to keep his 2021 cap number low at $4 million. Like Harris, he has been given a firm two year commitment by the Broncos with guaranteed base salary in 2022. And like Harris, Darby is also due per game roster bonuses in 2022 and 2023. The only difference is that Darby’s entire 2022 base salary is guaranteed, and his total contract value is $3 million highter

Darby will replace AJ Bouye as a slightly lower cost, who was due around $12 million in 2021 after he completes his suspension. This will hope to bolster the cornerback corps from the status quo, although the rumors are that the Broncos are not done at adding veteran help at the position. Darby is also compensatory free agent signed, but with Harris and Justin Simmons retained, the Broncos may not have any CFAs to lose, and since they will not expect comp picks for this offseason, this may be a good time to continue to load up on CFAs, at cornerback or elsewhere.